Obituary of Stephen J. Murphy

NORTH CREEK: Steve Murphy passed away on December 7th, with his wife and daughter by his side.

 

Born in Flushing, Queens to the late Joseph and Frances Murphy, Steve was raised in Brentwood, New York, where his lifelong curiosity and determination first began to shine. Whatever he set his mind to, he pursued with research, dedication, and hard work.

 

During the height of the Long Island rock-and-roll scene of the 1960s, Steve played guitar in the band The Strangers from 1965–1968. When rehearsals moved to his parents’ basement, the band fittingly became Mrs. Murphy’s Basement. He also played bugle with the Selden Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, nurturing a love of music that stayed with him throughout his life.

 

An adventurer at heart, Steve served as a rafting guide on the Hudson River long before commercial rafting took hold. He was an exceptional skier and worked on professional ski patrol at Gore Mountain in Upstate New York throughout the 1970s before heading to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire.

 

In the early 1980s, Steve returned to Long Island, where his passion for the water led him to refurbish his beloved boat Murphy’s Law and work as a clammer in Setauket. Building became his next calling—he crafted beautiful custom homes on Long Island before moving once again to New Hampshire. There, he constructed The Loon Center, earned his master’s degree in teaching, and spent ten years educating students in Littleton and Hillsboro Deering. He also founded the Hillcat Summer Theater, which continues to thrive today. New Hampshire is where he met his wife, Joyce, who brought him immeasurable joy.

 

Upon retiring from teaching, Steve returned to North Creek in the Adirondack Mountains and hand-built his home in the woods—a peaceful place where he could fully embrace nature. His creativity flourished in retirement: he recorded and self-produced music for family and friends, crafting every vocal and instrumental track himself. He built his own guitars and violins and lovingly constructed an old-style Adirondack guide boat, complete with traditional oars. He also became a talented watercolor artist, creating landscape paintings he often gifted to those he loved.

 

Steve married Joyce in 2019, beginning a chapter that brought him deep companionship and happiness. The last decade of his life was filled with simple pleasures, boating up and down the East Coast with Joyce and golfing among the mountains he treasured.

 

Steve is survived by his wife, Joyce Murphy of North Creek; his daughter, Kristin Murphy of Long Island; his brothers, David Murphy (Jackie Hannan) of Long Island and Craig Murphy (Kate Boyle) of Queensbury; and countless friends, former students, and loved ones who will forever remember his talent, creativity, and generous spirit.

 

Donations in his memory can be made to North Country Ministry, the Adirondack Outreach Center, or the Johnsburg Emergency Squad.

Per Steve’s wishes, there are no services scheduled.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.